But, Dr. Sciortino presented Michelle with a unique option to help find a heart for her. He suggested a donor heart positive for hepatitis C anti-bodies, although not the disease itself.

The Solution: A New Heart

“It’s a case of balancing risks,” Dr. Sciortino says. “With the new drugs, the risk of dying from hepatitis C is very small. And you balance that against Michelle’s risk of dying from congenital heart disease, which was much, much higher.”

A new generation of antiviral drugs has raised the cure rate of hep C to 95%. Some hospitals — including UPMC — are using this progress to access a larger donor pool, including hearts with hep C antibodies.

This effort shrinks the gap that exists between donor organs needed and organs available.

Michelle discussed the risks and benefits with her husband and the care team, then agreed to enter that pool as well.

“UPMC has established a conservative research protocol that helps us [utilize these donor hearts] in the safest way possible. I want to provide my patients with whatever advantage they can get as long as it is safe,” Dr. Sciortino explains.

Michelle’s husband, Bill, echoes Dr. Sciortino’s sentiments. “Once they explained the program to us, it was a slam dunk. We both looked at each other and said, ‘let’s do it.’"

After waiting 10 months at home with no offers, doctors admitted Michelle to the hospital. They placed her at the top of the waiting list due to the seriousness of her illness and frailty of her heart.

But, even her high placement on the list didn't guarantee a heart would be available right away. Michelle ended up waiting a little over four months more in the hospital.

“After 129 days in the hospital, I finally got my call. My coordinator came on the line and said, ‘we found you a match,’" Michelle explains.

The heart available for Michelle tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies, but not for the disease itself. This meant it was less likely to put Michelle at risk for infection.

The Result: A New Life

“I knew immediately there was a huge, huge, difference,” Michelle exclaims. “It worked. I have a new heart.”